A member representing Sabon Birni North in Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza has called for more explanation from the grand Patron and former Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa of the funds amounting to N360m received by the association from various stakeholders.
Boza insisted that the money should be released to aid victims of banditry in Internally displaced persons camps and individuals receiving medical care in the hospitals which were affected by attacks.
The member made the call at his residence while challenging the association over diversion of the fund for other purposes by the Leadership.
He emphasised that the urgency of using the funds to alleviate the hardships faced by the people across the eight local government areas most affected by banditry in the eastern zone of the state.
“We have over 50,000 thousand IDPs from the zone scattered across the state capital, as we also grapple with the highest number of out-of-school children and widows roaming the streets of Sokoto city.
” Therefore, it is imperative to address the situation using the available resources of the association,” he noted.
Responding to the allegations, the Secretary General of the Association, Professor Mu’azu Shamaki, rejected the allegations of receiving N360 million as an appeal fund for its inauguration in January, 2022.
Professor Shamaki described the allegations as mischievous attempts to politicise the association’s efforts towards developing the eastern zone.
He noted that Sokoto Eastern Zone Development Association (SEZDA) was a non-partisan association committed to collaborating with relevant authorities and stakeholders to tackle security challenges bedeviling the eight local government areas in the zone.
“Our activities have to always be open and transparent to people.
“During the inauguration of the association, we have various pledges with the highest being N100 million from the then state government.
” While the pledge from the government 50 percent was fulfilled other stakeholders collectively contributed over N100 million to our cause,” Professor Shamaki said.
He highlighted some of the achievements which included the construction of clinics, and schools, and covering the medical treatment of at least 10 injured victims among other forms of interventions.
“Before the unfortunate passing of the association’s late Chairman, late Professor Nasiru Gatawa, we had proposed the procurement of essential commodities for distribution to our internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable individuals across the 8 local government areas in the zone.
” With the continued commitments of our leaders particularly the Grand Patron of the association, former Governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, we remain committed to achieving our goals,” he added.
The local government areas covered by the association include; Gada, Gwadabawa, Goronyo, Illela, Rabah, Wurno, Isah and Sabon Birni in Sokoto State.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
